Murray mints a fortune for charity.

Legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker is used to life in the fast lane - and he proved it again yesterday at the British International Motor Show.

The former voice of BBC and ITV motor racing managed to sign almost 300 copies of his new autobiography in just over an hour.

Mr Walker, who is celebrated both for his on-air gaffes and encyclopaedic knowledge of the sport, is currently coming to the end of a world tour to promote his best-seller Unless I'm Very Much Mistaken.

He is a vice-president for BEN, the occupational benevolent fund for employees from the motor industry, and 50 per cent of the proceeds from the books sold yesterday will go to the fund.

"I am very pleased to be helping BEN, an organisation I've been involved with for a long, long time," he said.

Life hasn't slowed down for him since he retired last year. "I am very busy, after writing the book and then going on a world promotional book tour."

Hundreds of fans queued to buy copies of the book from the BEN stand at the Show.

"I'm a big F1 fan and I am missing his voice already on TV," said Peter Jarps, just after he'd had his copy of the book signed by the great man. "Despite the 'Murray-isms', it was obvious that he knew what he was talking about and he is clearly so committed to the sport."

"Murray Walker is one of our vice-presidents and has been involved with BEN for many years," said BEN chief executive Geoffrey Atkinson. "We are delighted to be benefiting from his support."

Mr Walker, who commentated on motor sport for more than 50 years, was set be speaking at a special dinner organised by the National Sporting Club later in the day [Thursday].